When Gary shut down neighborhood groceries and restaurants in recent weeks, city officials described the move as a sweeping crackdown to raise health and safety standards. Residents applauded the crackdown as a long overdue step toward holding local stores and restaurants to higher standards, while some expressed concern about losing food access.

Now, inspection records reviewed by Capital B Gary provide the clearest look yet at the problems that triggered the temporary closures. Inspectors cited a wide range of violations,  from soiled floors and missing ceiling tiles to food stored at unsafe temperatures and, in one case, mice found in a grill.

Here’s a breakdown of what inspectors found at each business.


Jerk 2 Go Express, Grant Street

Aug. 26 inspection

Inspector cited eight violations, two critical:

  • Soiled floors, walls, counters, vents, and equipment throughout the prep area.
  • No labels on the containers in the cooler.
  • No dates on the containers in the cooler. 
  • Food stored at 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Hand-washing sink not stocked with soap or paper towels.
  • Toxic items stored next to food in prep area.
  • Food stored on the floor.
  • Broken and unnecessary equipment throughout the business.

Sept. 8 inspection

Inspector cited two violations, one critical:

  • Grill soiled
  • Mice found in the grill food-prep area.

Save More, 921 Broadway

Sept. 2 inspection

Inspector cited five violations, two critical:

  • Dirt and grime throughout the facility.
  • Meat cooler in disrepair and covered with grime.
  • Multiple missing ceiling tiles.
  • Hand-washing sink not properly stocked.
  • Plumbing under the meat cooler is broken.

Sept. 5 inspection

  • All necessary corrections made.

Miller K Market, 5019 E. Dunes Highway

Sept. 4 inspection

Inspector cited two violations, one critical:

  • Expired food in the cooler and freezer, including sausage, bacon, and fish.
  • Mold-like substance in the cooler and on ceiling.

Sept. 5 inspection

  • No violations found

Vee and E Original Jamaican, 3712 Grant St.

Aug. 26 inspection

Inspector cited nine violations, two critical:

  • Floors, walls, ceilings, refrigerator, cooler, stove, and prep areas soiled.
  • Unlabeled containers in the cooler and refrigerator.
  • Hood over stove soiled.
  • Food stored on floor (onions and beans).
  • Missing ceiling tiles in kitchen.
  • No dates on the containers in the cooler.
  • Raw food next to dishwashing soap. 
  • Broken equipment.
  • Chicken stored at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kings Wings & Things, 3709 Broadway

Aug. 27 inspection

Inspector cited two violations, none critical:

  • Food not properly dated or labeled.
  • General cleaning required.

The inspection reports represent a snapshot of visits conducted over a short period of time and reflect only what inspectors observed during those checks.